Celebrate 100 Years of National Parks in Utah

Date: August 15, 2008
Contact: Scott Ryan, 435-692-1234, x13

The very first National Park unit to be established in Utah, Natural Bridges National Monument, celebrates its 100^th anniversary this year. The Centennial Celebration will culminate with a number of special events over the Labor Day weekend.

Beginning on Friday, August 29^th and continuing through Monday, September 1st, Natural Bridges National Monument will host a large variety of special events to celebrate "100 Years of National Parks in Utah." Scheduled activities include an on-scene painting competition, with a resultant art show displaying in Blanding and Moab later in September. "Living History" programs will include ancient pre-Columbian skills demonstrations and reminiscence of pioneer days with a character actor portraying "Zeke Johnson," a local legend and the first Ranger stationed at Natural Bridges. Special archeology tours of pueblo ruins will be offered, some by advanced reservation. On Saturday August 30^th a special postal cancellation stamp will be available at the park visitor center.

Another significant "first" for Natural Bridges National Monument was being named the as the world’s first International Dark Sky Park in 2007. The Salt Lake Astronomical Society will host Star Parties on Friday and Saturday nights only, with about 10 large telescopes available for the public to view the Natural Bridges award-winning night sky.

Natural Bridges National Monument is located in southeast Utah, in the heart of red-rock country, about 35 miles west of Blanding. For more information, view the schedule of events or call the Natural Bridges Visitor Center at [phone].